A promising young Muay Thai fighter with dreams of a world title has been killed in a stabbing in Melbourne's central business district, leaving a gym and a family in mourning.
Early Morning Tragedy on King Street
Jojo Punvaree, aged 19, was stabbed during an alleged altercation at a licensed venue on King Street in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 2:40 am. Emergency services discovered the teenager with multiple stab wounds. Despite their efforts, he could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Community Mourns a Rising Star
Punvaree was a dedicated and passionate member of the Knockoutone Muay Thai gym in Cheltenham. The gym has established a GoFundMe page, paying tribute to their lost member. In a heartfelt statement, they described him as a beloved part of their community, taken far too soon by a "senseless act of violence."
"He was very passionate about Muay Thai and he always brought his inspiring spirit with him into the gym," the statement read. "Jojo had a fighting spirit and had dreams and goals to be a world champion Muay Thai fighter."
The gym announced it would hold a candlelight vigil on Monday night to honour his memory. Punvaree, remembered as the eldest child and only son in his family, had his future brutally cut short.
Alleged Attacker Charged with Murder
Police arrested a 19-year-old man, Alfie Heggs, on Aurora Lane shortly after the stabbing. Authorities have stated that Punvaree and Heggs were known to each other.
Heggs was charged with one count of murder and faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday. His lawyer informed the court this was Heggs' first time in custody and that he had no prior convictions. The court also heard he requires medication for an underactive thyroid and had a previous diagnosis of ADHD, though he had ceased taking that medication approximately a year ago.
Heggs was quiet during the hearing and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to face a committal mention hearing in May. Due to recent legislative changes, his case is expected to be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court.
